It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Sean Vincent Garvey on April 15, 2026, called home by the God he faithfully served.

Sean passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving wife Carol of 33 years, and family. He was 91 years old-a life well lived.

Sean Vincent Garvey was born June 17, 1934, in Coose, County Galway, Ireland to Michael Joseph and Mary Kate Garvey. The third of twelve children.

Sean was educated at Derryoober National School at Coose, Co. Galway, Ireland.

In 1950 Sean moved to Dublin, Ireland to complete his education.

In 1954 at the age of 19, he and his older brother Joe emigrated aboard the ship Georgic (II) to Halifax, N.S., then traveled by rail to Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

With a letter of recommendation from his previous employer in Ireland, Sean quickly secured employment with the clothier Jack Frazer Company. He soon made his home in Oakville, where his strong work ethic and warm spirit helped him become a valued member of the community.

Sean met and married Mary McKenna of Oakville, loving mother of his children.

He was a devoted father to Maureen Garvey, Tricia Freeman (Rod), Tracy Donnelly (Mike), Shawna Marroccoli (Rocky). He was a cherished Papa to Ryan Donnelly (Amanda), Scott Donnelly (Nicole), and Justin Donnelly (Caroline), Anthony and Jeremiah Freeman, Marie and Vincent Marroccoli. He was also deeply loved by great-grandchildren Riley and Avery Donnelly and Lilly Donnelly.

Sean later married Carol Garvey and then became a caring stepdad to Troy, Eric and Mark Bentson (Kari). He was a beloved Papa to Jack and Kate Bentson, Ryan and Abbey Bentson, Birche Smith (Michael), Teal Hoffmann (Paul), Maren Bentson, Cade Bentson (Emily) and Katrina Bentson. He was also a proud 11 great-grandfather to Zoey and Emmy Smith, Noelle and Lily Hoffmann, Ty, Eli, and Kate Ryan Christy and Lorelei Bentson.

On November 2, 1961, Sean and John Willmott opened Garvey & Willmott Men’s Shop at 183 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville, Ontario. Through hard work and entrepreneurial spirit, they expanded to four stores in the GTA, with Oakville as the flagship location.

The store later became known as Garvey’s Fine Men’s Wear, which remained a staple in the community until 2013.

Sean retired as the proud owner of Garvey’s Fine Men’s Wear in 2007. He was widely respected in the men’s wear industry, known for his passion for fashion, uncanny intuition and exceptional customer service. He was also deeply involved in the development of the Downtown Oakville BIA.

Known as one of Canada’s finest haberdashers, Sean built lasting relationships with business associates across the country.

A man of quiet and deep faith, Sean was a devoted member of St. Andrews Roman Catholic Church in Oakville. He found great comfort in prayer and faithfully prayed the rosary each day.

Sean found joy in the beauty and peace of the natural world. He had a lifelong love of horses and owned and raced them for many years. He was also an avid golfer, enjoying the game until shortly before his passing.

Those who knew him will remember his knack for a good Irish story, often accompanied by a pint (or two) of Guinness, “strictly for medicinal purposes”.

Above all, Sean loved his family. His legacy is one of steadfast devotion, quiet strength, and enduring faith. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his mealtime grace which ended with the Gaelic version of the blessing.

Sean was predeceased by his parents and his siblings Joe and Teresa. He is survived by his siblings, Kathleen Giles (Oakville), Ita Orpen (Mississauga), Pat Garvey (Bridie, Florida), Francis Garvey (Marion, Ireland), Bernie Brogan (Ireland), Lena Grogan (England), Lily English (John, Ireland), Rosie Donnelly (Desmond, Ireland), and Noel Garvey (Bernie Ireland), along with many nieces and nephews who loved and adored him.

Funeral services are planned for Wednesday April 22, 2026, at 11 am at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Red Lodge, Montana and later Sean will be celebrated again with visitation at the Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville on Thursday April 30, 2026 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Funeral mass will be held on Friday May 1, 2026 at St. Andrews Catholic Church, 47 Reynolds Street, Oakville, Ontario. Arrangements have been handled by Smith Funeral Chapel, Red Lodge, Mt. and Kopriva Taylor Funeral Home in Oakville. Interment will be at St. Jude’s Cemetery in downtown Oakville.

Special Thanks to Dr. Burfeind, Beartooth Billings Clinic, BBC Hospice, Jody Ackerman, Carbon County Senior Care, and Mary Elder. All have cared for Sean in the most extraordinary way.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital or Parkinson Canada.